Bergesen-Butler II

This one should take place in an outdoor ring in Vegas. You could order it on pay per view. $49.95 seems a little steep, though. Brad Bergesen will face the Royals tonight for the first time since Billy Butler slammed a line drive off his left shin and sent him hobbling to the dugout. It was the most painful sprint in recorded history, and it concluded with Bergesen collapsing in the tunnel and writhing in pain. If you attended the game at Camden Yards, you can still hear the ball striking his leg. It was a sickening sound. Bergesen insists that he isn't nervous about another ball being hit up the middle. He even took one off his foot while throwing batting practice in spring training. But manager Dave Trembley didn't sound convinced when he talked about the incident earlier this season and how it might have affected Bergesen's performance. Butler is back in Baltimore, and he's bringing a .338 average, four home runs and 22 RBIs. He's hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games, 15 of 17 and 19 of 22. Butler's also a career .333 hitter against the Orioles, including six doubles, three homers and 13 RBIs. He has bad intent. Just hope he sprays the ball to left and right field. Bergesen went seven innings in that July 30 game against the Royals, allowing one run and seven hits, walking one and striking out six. He finished his first season with seven consecutive quality starts. Unfortunately for Bergesen, Butler ended the rookie's season with that line drive. Butler went 1-for-4 with a strikeout. Bergesen went on the 60-day disabled list. Tonight's the rematch, weather permitting. Maybe they can cover the ring - and lower that pay per view price just a little.